My dejarik dice rules. By Don Thomas/Dalsiandon

So I spent a considerable amount of time with the dejarik rules that are posted here; http://dhost.info/rissa/Holochess/index.htm written by Mike Kelly as a great jumping point for this nice side game we have gotten from WOTC. I recommend following these rules with the exception of the dice rolling. In which case I urge the use of the rules below.

These rules consist of a D6 system where players use a mass of D6 dice, that is probably because it was rescued from the old WEG SWRPG CRB.

So my wife and I spent the past couple of weeks working to find a dice system that is balanced, fair, and does not require 50 D6's, but only one dice set, (and most have one, if not it's 5 or 6 bucks at your FLGS for one.)

As a starting place we took the totals from page 6 (in my print out), under the subheading "An Example Game of Dejarik." We find the numbers 31 and 24. So we then asked ourselves how can we get all the monsters to be able to get between 24 and 31? From there we took the base stats and started patterning maximum dice rolls with base stats to allow them all to get to 31. Well, we found a pattern that allowed them all to be either 31 or 32. I figured that would be okay to a have a 1 off discrepancy because 1) it would only cause a push or counter-push instead of a defeat, and 2) double max is required by both players for such an outcome and while possible will still simply result in a push/counter-push, and it benefits the higher score, which I think is okay because that allows the "better" creature or the higher score a full time bonus in those rare situations.
The Dice you will need are (1 of each) a d20, a D4, a D6, a D8 and a D10. D stands for dice; the number represents how many sides and numbers the dice has on it. So a D6 is a dice with 6 sides/6 numbers.

Here is a breakdown for you on when to use the dice and how;

How to determine the teams?
1rst) Assign each creature a number between 1 and 8. Players then "draft" their creature by a series of dice rolls.
An example; Savrip #1, Monnok #2, Ghhk #3, Houjix #4, Klorslug #5, Molator #6, Strider #7, and the Ngok #8. (This is just an example you can number and renumber the creatures as you wish.)

2nd) Each player will then simultaneously roll their D8, the players will then find the creature that has the corresponding number to their dice roll. If there is a tie, simply reroll the dice. If a dice number is rolled and the creature has already been drafted, reroll and accept the new result. The other player must wait for the reroll to claim his drafted creature. If there is no tie or dispute about a roll simply draft your creature and make the next dice roll.

3rd) When only two creatures remain roll the dice as normal. However if only one player rolls a number for a creature that has not yet been drafted then that player selects that creature and the other player takes the remaining creature by default. (Example A) This is to prevent long drawn out sets of rolls for the final two characters. If neither player rolls the number of an undrafted creature then reroll. If this happens three times, on the third roll the player with the highest roll selects which creature to draft or can defer to the other player. (Example B) Again reroll all ties.
Here are some examples.
Example A.) The Molator is #4 and has not yet been drafted by roll. The other, a Ghhk, is #8 and also has not been drafted. Player A rolls a 5 and Player B rolls a 4. Player B drafts the Molater with the dice roll and Player A claims the Ghhk by default.
Example B.) The two remaining undrafted creatures are the Strider #7 and the Ngok, # 3. Player A rolls a 6, a 2 and a 4. Player B rolls a 5, a 1 and an 8. Player B then chooses to draft either the Ngok or the Strider to his squad. Player B can also defer the draft to Player A and let that player draft a creature instead.

Who goes first and creature set-up?
Simply have each player roll one D20 and the player with the highest number chooses who will go first. The player with the lowest roll sets up after who will go first is decided. This is regardless of who will go first.

How to attack and defend?
Base attack/Defense + a D20 + a secondary dice

If you base Attack/Defense is 7 or 8 you use a D4 as your secondary dice. Possible Max score 31 or 32
If you base Attack/Defense is 5 or 6 you use a D6 as your secondary dice. Possible Max score 31 or 32
If you base Attack/Defense is 3 or 4 you use a D8 as your secondary dice. Possible Max score 31 or 32
If you base Attack/Defense is 2 you use a D10 as your secondary dice. Possible Max score 31 or 32

Any time an attack is made each player rolls according to their roll in the action. The attacking character rolls based on his base attack score, the defender rolls in the same manner. That is why the chart above is marked Attack/Defense. Then use the results and determine the outcome. Use the box/chart on page 6 labeled "If" and "Then" to help you determine the result.

Here is an example; The higher stats like the Klorslug has a +7 attack and would roll the D20 and the D4 and add its base to the result. However if the Klorslug is defending it would roll the D20 with a D8 and then add it's base defense score to determine its defensive outcome against the opposing players creatures base stat and dice roll. The Houjix with it is +4's would always roll a D20 and a D8 and then add it is +4 to the result whether it be attacking or defending.

This way everyone has a chance at rolling for a 31 or 32. We have played a dozen games using this set and it is the best so far, it has allowed the most diverse outcomes, only two have been blow outs, and that all came down to dice. We tried a couple other methods and neither worked so well and it was obvious to us that it wasn't fair/balanced and we saw it very fast that way. This has yet to leave us disappointed beyond a failed dice roll. But every roll we went into with a chance to win even in a low base score versus high base score situation.

oh if you need a board squid89 has posted this link; http://www.smithohio.com/dejarik/

as much as I like a "balanced" game, Dejarik is less about "balance" and more about strategy.

For instance, a Strider (attack rating 2) attacking a Ng'ok (defense rating 8) should have almost NO chance of winning. You would NEVER attack with a Strider because it would be counter-killed almost every time, and that is the point of the defensive, offensive, and balanced characters.

As much as I hate to say it, Dejarik needs played with D6 dice, it's the only way to truly represent how it's supposed to be played and not turned into a "mass melee".

This is the best idea I have seen, just add where no one has attacked or something to that effect. I did not even think of this.

I did try with just a d20 and it was like playing SSB. The same for when using the D6's, it was roll a ton of dice and hope it hits. I'd like to think my variables simplified it but didn't take the strategy away.

As for bumping? The rule set has push and counter push already inset into it and it is all based again upon dice rolls.

I see you point. Because you say that it nueters the strengths and weakness of each character it's an abomination. Fair enough.

SO here's a question have you tried my version yet? Or is it just too hard to fathom that it isn't worth your time? I have a hard time ignoring your point, but those took some time for me to come up wiht and i wont casually just say your right and I'm wrong without someone who has played saying it and saying why.

I created two PDF files with a summary of the rules that can be used during game play. They do not include selecting pieces or setup rules. One uses the d6 system and one follows the d20+secondary die alternative rules. The idea is to have one page that summarizes all the stats in an easy to read format and the table with the results. Any ideas for improvement are welcome and will be considered. I have found it very handy to have while playing without having to remember all the stats.

Images are from Centurion's Dantooine site.

Link: www.smithohio.com/dejarik